A Lean Six Sigma project is typically staffed by a cross-functional team involved in various aspects of the process being studied. To prevent the under-optimization of business processes, a cross-functional analysis is necessary. Waste and variation are identified across the teams and can easily be fixed by applying simple Lean tools. Once the waste is removed, the more complex Six Sigma tools can be applied to optimize the product or process being produced.

A cross-functional team ensures that all perspectives from the organizations involved in and impacted by the project are considered during the problem analysis and, more importantly, during the solution creation. Understanding the issue and the implications of the data is made easier by the team members’ in-depth expertise. These various viewpoints are essential for assisting the team in developing a solution that solves the immediate issue and frequently aids in reducing waste and variation in other areas of the process.